Search Results (54)

Background/Objectives: The primary objective of the present study was to investigate early global development in children after one year of cochlear implant (CI) use. The secondary objective was to investigate the role of variables such as age at CI activation, gender, and parental schooling in early global development in children with a CI. Methods: The study sample included 24 subjects. All children were affected by severe-to-profound congenital bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (HL). The HL was diagnosed between 1 and 23 months of age (median 3 months) and participants underwent cochlear implant activation at 9–25 months (median 14 months). Participants were evaluated before CI surgery and after one year of CI use using the Italian version of the Griffiths III scales. Results: The general developmental quotient remained stable, as did the developmental quotients on scales A, C, D, and E. However, the development quotients on scale B, corresponding to the domain of “language and communication,” underwent a significant increase (p value < 0.05). There was a statistically significant negative effect of “age at CI activation” on both DQ at scale B (t − 3.457) and GDQ (t − 42.069). Maternal schooling had a significant positive effect on GDQ and DQ for scales A to D (p. value < 0.05). Conclusions: After one year of CI use, a significant improvement in the early global development of children was found in the language and communication domain. The age at CI activation and the level of the mother’s education were found to be related to early global development. Full article

Elevated thermal conditions, rock formations exhibit distinct mechanical behaviors that significantly deviate from their characteristics under ambient temperature environments. This phenomenon raises critical questions regarding the applicability of conventional failure criteria in accurately assessing wellbore stability and maintaining the structural integrity of subsurface infrastructure within geothermal environments. Based on the least absolute deviation method, this paper studies the response characteristics of rock strength at different temperatures and evaluates the prediction performance of six commonly used strength criteria under various temperature and stress environments. The experimental findings reveal a pronounced nonlinear dependence of rock strength on confining pressure elevation. A comparative analysis of failure criteria demonstrates hierarchical predictive performance: the Hoek–Brown (HB) criterion achieves superior temperature-dependent strength prediction fidelity, outperforming the modified Griffith (MGC), Mohr–Lade (ML), and modified Wiebols–Cook (MWC) criteria by 12–18% in accuracy metrics. Notably, the Zhao–Zheng (ZZ) and conventional Mohr–Coulomb (MC) criteria exhibit statistically significant deviations across the tested thermal range. The HB criterion’s exceptional performance in high-temperature regimes is attributed to its dual incorporation of nonlinear confinement effects and thermally activated microcrack propagation mechanisms. The implementation of this optimized model in Well X’s borehole stability analysis yielded 89% alignment between predictions and field observations, with principal stress variations remaining within 7% of critical failure thresholds. These mechanistic insights offer critical theoretical and practical references for thermo-hydro-mechanical coupling analysis in enhanced geothermal systems and deep subsurface containment structures. Full article

Adhesion plays a crucial role across a wide range of natural systems and technological applications. High adhesion is typically observed in contacts involving highly deformable materials, which are generally viscoelastic in nature. Although some of the key concepts explored in this work—such as the application of energy-based criteria to viscoelastic adhesive contacts—have been addressed in earlier studies, including the seminal work by Greenwood and Johnson, these approaches relied on considerably more complex analytical methods. In this paper, we build on those foundational insights and present a significantly simplified and more accessible formulation by employing the Method of Dimensionality Reduction (MDR). We propose that the processes of adhesive crack propagation and viscoelastic material relaxation occur on well-separated timescales, which allows the use of a Griffith-like energy balance criterion even in viscoelastic systems. This MDR-based energetic approach not only provides conceptual clarity but also enables the straightforward analytical treatment of a wide range of practical problems, including arbitrary loading scenarios. The theory naturally explains the different effective works of adhesion during attachment and detachment and offers a unified, first-principles framework for analyzing and designing soft adhesive systems. Full article

Background: Griffiths III is a child-friendly and play-oriented direct gold-standard measure of a 0–6-year-old child’s developmental profile. It is a measure that helps practitioners in detecting the weaknesses in children who have an increased likelihood or a diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders, e.g., autism. Objectives: Following the PICO protocol, two research questions addressed the current systematic search and review (Prospero registration: CRD42024554286): What is(are) the main developmental domain(s) evaluated by Griffiths III impaired in autism? (RQ1); Using Griffiths III, what is(are) the main developmental domain(s) improved after an autism-specific early intervention? (RQ2). Methods: Six studies have been reviewed: three case–control studies, a case report study, and two studies examining the effectiveness of early autism-specific interventions. According to the study design, the methodological quality was evaluated using three standardised protocols: STROBE; JBI; CEC. Results: The results highlighted that the Language and Communication and Personal–Social–Emotional domains are the most impaired in autistic children and in those with an increased likelihood (RQ1). The results outlined that early target intervention enhanced the same domains (RQ2). Conclusions: In conclusion, the findings highlight the importance of screening not only for autism traits but also for impairments in language, communication, and socio-emotional skills. The future direction of the results is discussed. Full article

Children with onco-hematological diseases require intensive medical treatments that can affect various aspects of their development. In addition to the disease itself, what influences the course of development most are the neurotoxic effects of therapies and frequent hospitalizations, especially if they occur in the first three years of the child’s life. Among these challenges there is the potential for language delay, a condition that can impact their communication abilities and overall development. Background/Objectives: The aim of this study is to examine communicative and linguistic development in a small group of young children diagnosed with different forms of leukemia, rhabdomyosarcoma, and CNS tumors, recruited through the Hematology–Oncology Clinic of the Department of Child and Woman Health (University of Padova). Methods: Child direct (Griffiths III, PinG, PCGO) and parent indirect assessments (PVB, ABAS-II, ASCB) were provided. Results: Griffiths communication subscale scores in children were mainly below average (55.6%), and 44.4% attested at the clinical level in ABAS-II, with the ability to understand being significantly higher than the production of words. However, the two levels of assertiveness–responsiveness obtained balance in 66.7% of cases, and using the Griffiths personal subscale, only 22.2% of children attested below average. Conclusions: Understanding and addressing children’s communication needs is crucial to improve the quality of life of these young patients and foster optimal communicative and linguistic development despite the obstacles they face in order to implement interventions designed specifically for this type of population and their respective families, if necessary. Full article

In this study, we aimed to induce controlled structural disorder through a double substitution approach in the La_0.5Ca_0.5MnO₃ compound by investigating La_0.5−xRe_xCa_0.5−yAe_yMnO₃ compounds with x = 0.05 and 0.1 and Re = Eu, Nd, Gd, Pr, and Ae = Ba and Sr. The y values are adjusted to maintain a constant average ionic radius (<r_A> = 1.198 Å) and an unchanged Mn^3+/Mn⁴⁺ ratio. These samples were synthesized using the sol–gel method. XRD analysis confirms structural stability despite the induced disorder, showing subtle lattice distortions. Magnetic measurements reveal that introducing low disorder annihilates the charge ordered (CO) state, enhances double-exchange interactions, and influences the ferromagnetic (FM) volume fractions. Moderate disorder strengthens AFM–CO state, triggering a first–order metamagnetic transition and reducing the Curie temperature value. Magnetic field-dependent magnetization data show disorder dependent magnetic behavior and suggest the presence of the Griffiths phase for all samples, confirming the role of structural disorder in tuning magnetic phase coexistence. Pr-based samples display a considerable magnetocaloric effect near their Curie temperature. Full article

The construction of artificial microorganisms often relies on the transfer of genomes from donor to acceptor cells. This synthetic biology approach has been considerably fostered by the J. Craig Venter Institute but apparently depends on the use of microorganisms, which are very closely related. One reason for this limitation of the “creative potential” of “classical” transformation is the requirement for adequate “fitting” of newly synthesized polypeptide components, directed by the donor genome, to interacting counterparts encoded by the pre-existing acceptor genome. Transformation was introduced in 1928 by Frederick Griffith in the course of the demonstration of the instability of pneumococci and their conversion from rough, non-pathogenic into smooth, virulent variants. Subsequently, this method turned out to be critical for the identification of DNA as the sole matter of inheritance. Importantly, the initial experimental design (1.0) also considered the inheritance of both structural (e.g., plasma membranes) and cybernetic information (e.g., metabolite fluxes), which, in cooperation, determine topological and cellular heredity, as well as fusion and blending of bacterial cells. In contrast, subsequent experimental designs (1.X) were focused on the use of whole-cell homogenates and, thereafter, of soluble and water-clear fractions deprived of all information and macromolecules other than those directing protein synthesis, including outer-membrane vesicles, bacterial prions, lipopolysaccharides, lipoproteins, cytoskeletal elements, and complexes thereof. Identification of the reasons for this narrowing may be helpful in understanding the potential of transformation for the creation of novel microorganisms. Full article

Restoring endodontically treated teeth has always been a challenge in dentistry. Dental posts are used when further retention is required for the final restoration, indicating that the tooth is already structurally compromised. Varying survival rates have been reported by previous studies, and there does not seem to be consensus on what factors are favorable regarding the survival of teeth treated with dental posts. Background/Objectives: This study investigated the survival of teeth treated with direct and indirect posts placed by dentists and dental students at an Australian university over a five-year period. Methods: This retrospective study included 684 direct and indirect posts placed from January 2018 to December 2022 at Griffith University dental clinic. The survival of the teeth treated with dental posts was assessed using Kaplan–Meier analysis. The potential effect of patient, tooth and operator factors was assessed using Cox regression analysis. Results: The posts had a five-year survival rate of 94% and survival time of 46.16 months. No statistically significant difference in survival was noted between the different groups in this study. Conclusions: Teeth treated with dental posts have been shown to have good short-term survival; however, long-term survival could not be commented on. Within the limitations of this study, survival was not associated with the location of the tooth, type of tooth, operator expertise, post material, cement, restoration or opposing dentition. Full article

Background: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) encompass an inclusive group of conditions that appear during the developmental period but continue to persist in adulthood, ranging from particular difficulties to a global impairment of social, cognitive, and emotional functioning. The developmental trajectories associated with these conditions are highly heterogeneous. This study aimed to analyze and compare developmental and adaptive profiles of preschool-aged children with different NDDs to better characterize their developmental trajectories. Methods: We analyzed data from the initial global evaluation of 196 children with NDDs (aged 20 to 71 months), enrolled in three subgroups: 108 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), 52 with language disorder (LD), and 36 with mixed specific developmental disorder (MSDD). A comprehensive neuropsychiatric evaluation was performed using standardized tools (Griffiths-III, ADOS-2, VABS-II, and ADI-R), and the parents completed the DP-3 and the CBCL 1½-5. Results: Our results showed that all NDDs exhibited poor psychomotor skills, with children with ASD being the most impaired, although their profiles were comparable to those of MSDD in communication and motor areas. CBCL’s pervasive developmental problem scale has been shown to provide relevant information for distinguishing children with ASD. Furthermore, DP-3 and VABS-II measure highly differentiated developmental profiles of each diagnostic group. Conclusions: Our results highlighted the importance of including parents’/caregivers’ perspectives in defining children’s functioning and the possibility of using DP-3 as a screening tool for different neurodevelopmental disorders. Full article

To provide insight into the interface structure in Ti particle-reinforced Mg matrix composites, this study investigates the inherent Mg/Ti interface structure formed during the solidification of supercooled Mg melt on a (0001)Ti substrate using ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations and density function theory (DFT) calculation. The resulting interface exhibits an orientation relationship of ${\left(0001\right)}_{\mathrm{Mg}}{//\left(0001\right)}_{\mathrm{Ti}}$ with a lattice mismatch of approximately 8%. Detailed characterizations reveal the occurrences of ${\left(0001\right)}_{\mathrm{Mg}}$ plane rotation and vacancy formation to overcome the lattice mismatch at the inherent Mg/Ti interface while allowing Mg atoms to occupy the energetically favorable hollow sites above the Ti atomic layer. The atomic diffusion behaviors of rare-earth elements Gd and Y at the Mg/Ti interface was examined using the climbing image nudged elastic band (CI-NEB) method, demonstrating a strong segregation tendency towards the interface promoted by the inherent interface structure. Additionally, the calculated Griffith work indicates enhanced interfacial adhesion due to the segregation of Gd and Y, which is beneficial for the mechanical properties of the composite. Full article

With the development of high-efficiency gas turbine engines and increasing inlet temperatures, the performance of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) for hot-section components has been more severely challenged. The doping of multi-element rare earth elements significantly improves the thermodynamic properties and chemical compatibility of thermal barrier coatings so that the application performance of coatings in high-temperature environments is enhanced considerably. In this work, the doped coatings prepared by REYSZ (RE = La, Sm, Nd) were investigated and characterized in terms of crystal structure, elastic properties, and thermal–mechanical properties based on the first-principles approach, combined with various empirical and semi-empirical formulations, and a predictive model for resistance to CMAS corrosion based on machine learning approaches. The results showed that the tetragonal phase REYSZ material was mechanically stable, had a large strain damage tolerance, and was not easy to fracture under applied loads and thermal shocks. In terms of CMAS corrosion resistance, the NdYSZ interfacial model had a lower surface energy (3.130 J/m²) and Griffith fracture energy (6.934 J/m²) compared with the conventional YSZ model, and Nd₂O₃ had the potential to improve the CMAS corrosion resistance of zirconia-based material for thermal barrier coatings. By evaluating the machine learning prediction models, the regression coefficients of the two algorithms were 0.9627 and 0.9740, and both these two prediction models showed high prediction accuracy and strong robustness. Ultimately, this work presented a novel mechanism–data hybrid method, which would facilitate the efficient development of TBC new materials for anti-CMAS corrosion. Full article

Background: Gestures or manual signing are valid options for augmentative and alternative communication. However, the data in the literature are limited to a few neurodevelopmental disorders, and less is known about its application in the community setting. Objectives: This case report explores the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of tact training with augmentative gestural support intervention for a child affected by a language disorder with challenging behaviors in a community setting. Methods: Baseline assessments were conducted using the Verbal Behavior Milestone Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP) and Griffiths Mental Developmental Scale-III (GMDS-III). The patient received six months of standard treatment, consisting of neuropsychomotor and speech therapy each twice a week, with improved cooperation in proposed activities, but no improvement in language. Afterward, a total of 24 sessions of tact training with augmentative gestural support interventions were performed. Data were collected by two independent observers and analyzed to measure language and behavioral outcomes. Results: VB-MAPP scores increased form minimal communication and social interaction at T0 (baseline) to improved compliance but unchanged language skills at T1 (after standard therapy). After tack training with augmentative gestural support (T2), VB-MAPP scores showed significant improvements, with notable increases in verbal operants, independence in communication, and intersubjectivity skills. GMDS-III scores at T2 also demonstrated growth in social, communicative, and cognitive skills. Additionally, challenging behaviors were reduced by more than 70% and nearly resolved by the end of the intervention. Conclusions: Personalized approaches appear to be essential for interventions tailored to developmental age. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of these approaches for other neurodevelopmental disorders, identify patient characteristics that may be predictors of outcomes to tailor the intervention, and explore the generalization of the results obtained with these strategies. Full article

Background and Objectives: Forceps delivery is a crucial obstetrical technique that has become increasingly underutilized in favor of cesarean delivery, despite the numerous complications related to cesarean sections. The major concerns with regard to assisted vaginal birth (AVB) are safety and long-term consequences. We aimed to investigate a neurological outcome of neonates and children at the age of 7 who were born via forceps delivery. This would greatly improve informed decision making for both mothers and obstetricians. Materials and Methods: A single-arm cohort study was conducted from January 2012 to December 2016 among 49 women and their children born via forceps delivery at the Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Clinical Center of Serbia. The Sarnat and Sarnat classification was used to evaluate the neurological status of neonates, and logistic regression analysis was employed to explore the association with perinatal factors. Long-term neurological outcomes were assessed using the Griffiths Mental Development Scale and a questionnaire for parents based on the Motor and Social Development (MSD) scale, which was derived from the Bayley-III Scale. Results: The main indication for forceps delivery was maternal exhaustion (79.6%), followed by fetal distress (20.4%). A pathological neurological status was observed in 16.3% of newborns, with pathological ultrasound of the CNS in 3%. A statistically significant association was observed with the Apgar score, with an odds ratio of 0.575 (95% CI: 0.407–0.813, p = 0.002) and perinatal asphyxia, with an odds ratio of 9.882 (95% CI: 1.111–87.902, p = 0.04). However, these associations were unlikely to be related to the mode of delivery. Long-term adverse neurological outcomes were seen in three cases, which accounts for 6.4%. These included mild disorders such as delayed milestone, speech delay, and motor clumsiness. Conclusions: The present study highlights the safety of forceps delivery regarding children’s neurological outcomes at 7 years of age. This is an important contribution to the modern management of labor, especially in light of increasing rates of cesarean deliveries worldwide. Full article

Background: Neonatal cerebral stroke includes a range of focal and multifocal ischemic and hemorrhagic brain lesions, occurring in about one of 3000 live births. More than 50% of children with neonatal stroke develop adverse outcomes, mainly unilateral cerebral palsy. Asymmetries in segmental movements at three months have been proven to be an early sign of CP in infants with unilateral brain damage. Recognition of additional early signs could enhance prognostic assessment and enable an early and targeted intervention. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess early signs of CP in infants with arterial cerebral stroke through the General Movements Assessment and the Motor Optimality Score—Revised (MOS-R). Method: Twenty-four infants born at term (12 females and 12 males) diagnosed with ACS, and 24 healthy infants (16 females and 8 males) were assessed. The GMs (fidgety movements) and MOS-R were assessed from videos recorded at 11–14 weeks of post-term age. Cognitive and motor outcomes were assessed at 24 months using the Griffiths III developmental quotient and Amiel-Tison neurological examination. The gross motor function classification system expanded and revised (GMFCS-E&R) was adopted to categorize CP. Results: Among infants with ACS, 21 (87.5%) developed unilateral CP. Most of them showed non-disabling CP (14 had GMFCS-E&R grade 1 [66.6%], 6 grade 2 [28.6%], and 1 grade 5 [4.8%]). Fidgety movements (FMs) were absent in 17 (70.8%), sporadic in 4 (16.7%) infants, and normal in 3 (12.5%). Segmental movement asymmetry was found in 22/24 (91.7%). According to the MOS-R, motor items (kicking, mouth movements), postural patterns (midline centered head, finger posture variability), and movement character (monotonous and stiff) were statistically different among infants with ACS and healthy infants. The MOS-R median global score was lower in the group with ACS compared to the control group (6 vs 26; p < 0.01). FMs, segmental movement asymmetry, and MOS-R global score were significantly correlated with abnormal outcome. MOS-R global scores less than or equal to 13 had 100% specificity and sensitivity in predicting GMFCS-E&R grade ≥ 2 CP in infants with ACS. Conclusions: The rate of CP was high among infants with ACS, but in most cases it showed low GMFCS-E&R grades. The study highlighted a significant correlation between MOS-R, together with absent FMs and unilateral CP in infants with ACS. Moreover, the MOS-R showed high sensitivity and specificity in the prediction of CP. Combined assessment of FMs and MOS-R could help to better identify infants at high risk of developing UCP in a population of infants with ACS. Early identification of precocious signs of unilateral CP is fundamental to providing an early individualized intervention. Full article

Brittle fractures of iron and steel above twinning temperatures are caused by cementite grain boundary wall cracks. These were revealed by an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). At temperatures below the ductile–brittle transition (DBT), cracks must propagate longitudinally within cementite walls until the stress is sufficiently high for the cracks to propagate across ferrite grains. Calculations using these concepts correctly predict the stress and temperature at the DBT required for fractures to occur. At temperatures above the DBT for hypoeutectoid ferritic steels, dislocations must fracture the walls transversely. That will permit pent-up dislocations to pass through the fractured region of the walls into the adjoining grains. Subsequently, there is rapid multiplication of dislocations at the opposite side of the walls by emission. This causes a rapid drop in stress toward the lower yield point. Here, the walls completely surround all of the grains. Where the walls are segmented, such as in iron, dislocations can pass around the walls, resulting in a gradual change from elastic to plastic deformation. The Cottrell atmosphere theory of yielding is not supported experimentally. It was the best available until later experiments, including those using the AFM, were performed. Methods are presented here giving yield strength versus temperature and also the parameters for the Hall–Petch and Griffith equations. Full article